The first day of the last month — a perfect time to reflect back over the year. The first day of Reverb 10 — a perfect way of reflecting. I’ve been excitedly anticipating this moment, so let’s started!
December 1 One Word. Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you? (Author: Gwen Bell)
My word for 2010 is rewarding. Just about everything that mein Schatz and I put out into the world came back to us two- or three-fold this year. For me, most of 2008 was spent uprooting myself and moving to Germany, and 2009 was spent working tirelessly to acculturate and establish my career here — not knowing exactly how I was going to turn myself into a more permanent resident. Both years felt like a lot of blood, sweat and tears, without any end in sight.
But last New Year’s Eve, I predicted that 2010 was going to be my year, our year. And boy, did that ever manifest itself! Everything started coming together and we (at last) began to enjoy the fruits of our labors. For me, that meant seeing the results from my research take shape, as well as being awarded a fellowship to pursue my PhD here in Germany. Not to mention mein Schatz‘s successes, which made 2010 all the sweeter.
But just because life is rewarding, doesn’t mean it’s always easy! Back in October, as I was hurrying from the train station to the university, I tripped on the street and broke my knee cap. It wasn’t quite the ending I was looking for to such a fantastic year, but the process of healing has forced me to slow down and appreciate what a blessing it is to be healthy and active — something I will never take for granted again.
So it seems we have lots of change in store for 2011, and quite a lot more work! With that in mind, I’m declaring the word for 2011 to be open. Open to new ideas and opportunities, and open to what is out there waiting for us.
What words would you choose?
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This post is part of Reverb 10, a process of reflecting and manifesting during the entire month of December. You can join over here!
Yay! That’s so good to hear about your rewarding year! :-) I wish the best for you two for next year.
Lovely! And thanks for the comment earlier today. Incidentally, my parents are German – from the Koblenz area. Glad things are working out for you there. It’s a great place to be!
What a wonderfully exciting year you have had, minus breaking your knee cap. Isn’t it the best feeling when all your hard work pays off? Here’s hoping that 2011 brings more rewards.
Sounds like you’ve had a great year and got settled in quickly, which I’m sure was not easy. My word would be (2 words actually). “New opportunities” since I’ve only been in Germany for 5 months and am open to what shape my new life will take, which has already taken me in interesting directions.
Yay for a rewarding 2010!
Jen, Riayn, and Emily: Thanks!
Nadine: Very cool!
Laurel: Wishing you the best in settling in.